Stunning Indian destinations to visit in December
December 2016
Christmas, New Year and those crackling bonfire sessions—if the mere thought of this has set you in motion, it is time for that perfect December trip. This guide to the best places to visit in December is precisely what you need for that perfect year end trip. Choose from places like Goa that will make you ring in the new year in all excitement; or, hit it out at one of those clean, no-crowd beaches in Diu. Add to it the lure of Tagore’s land, Shantiniketan, for it hosts the Poush Mela that’s clearly a lifetime’s experience.
Gangtok, ring in the new year from the Himalayas
Nestled in the lower Himalayas, the city of Gangtok has grown over the mountains and in the valleys. Seen from the skies or even from the ropeway, Gangtok shows a colourful façade against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains. At one time, Gangtok was an important stop on the trade route between British India and Tibet. The Nathu La pass saw a constant stream of traders and travellers come across mountains on either side, bringing not only goods but religious texts and beliefs too.
All that came to an end with the Indo-China war of 1962, which ended the independence of Tibet and closed its borders with India. In recent times, the situation has improved with the pass being opened for trade at regular intervals, and also with the route to Kailash being opened through this side. Things are looking up for Sikkim, and especially Gangtok. There is so much to see and do, that tourists are pouring in! Here are top 10 places to visit in Gangtok!
Gulmarg, of gondola rides and skiing!
If you’re looking for a destination which is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is adventurous, then look no further than Kashmir. The Kashmir valley is considered heaven on earth, and when it’s blanketed in snow, it exudes a charm few other places do. The tiny and isolated hill village of Gulmarg is situated at the western extremity of the Himalayas in a subsidiary range called the Pir Panjals. Lying about 50 kilometres from Srinagar, it can be easily accessed by tourist buses, taxis and even by air. Owing to its location, Gulmarg gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Himalayas and has earned the distinction of being the best ski resort in the country.
So once you’ve feasted your eyes on all the beauty, immerse yourself in some activity by hitting the slopes. Catering to both beginners and pros, skiing here can be one of the most powerful experiences. For the more mild adventure enthusiasts, there’s the option of sledging, cable-car rides and snow boarding. Ski season starts mid December and lasts till the beginning of April. As for accommodation, there are various options. From state-owned huts and cottages, and beautifully appointed mid-range hotels like Nedous Hotel, to luxury accommodation at Hotel Highlands Park, there’s something to suit every budget.
In addition, Gulmarg offers several other sites of interest for tourists. It has the highest golf course in the world, the frozen Alpine lake of Alpather, the Baba Reshi shrine and the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves.
Udaipur, romance in the lake city
With the majestic city palace looming over the old city, a lake studded with palaces in the middle and romantic restaurants interspersed in every nook and corner, couples will never run out of things to do in Udaipur. As the backdrop of countless romantic movies, Udaipur charms with its regal splendour and stately aura. Pretend to be king and queen for a day, slow down on a romantic boat ride, stay near the glistening waters of Lake Pichola and walk hand-in-hand through Dudh Talai—here is your guide to discovering Udaipur’s most romantic spots.
Shantiniketan, Tagore’s tales and unforgettable fairs
Located about 212 kilometres away from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is a popular tourist destination in Birbhum District, West Bengal. It was founded by the famous Tagore family. Earlier this area was referred to as Bhubandanga (after a local dacoit). Later, this site with red soil and vast paddy fields was spotted by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore who built a house here and named it Shantiniketan, meaning abode of peace. Afterwards, in 1901, his son—the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore—established a school (Brahmacharya Ashram) modelled after the ancient gurukul system. Gradually the school went on to become the famous Visva-Bharati University with illustrious students like Satyajit Ray and Amartya Sen. There are various places of interest in Shantiniketan, such as the Tagore Ashram, where you can get an insight into the life of not only the poet but the entire Tagore family. While exploring the campus, you will also see beautiful frescoes, sculptures, paintings and murals of Rabindranath Tagore, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay and several other renowned personalities. There are many other attractions within the campus, such as Chhatimtala, Sangeet Bhavan, Bichitra Bhavan and Cheena Bhavan, to name a few.
A visit to Rabindra Bhavan and Nandan Museum at Kala Bhavan is something that you cannot miss. Besides, you might get an opportunity to listen to the mystic minstrels (Bauls) which is quite refreshing. Moreover, depending on the time of your visit, you can attend fairs and festivals like Poush Mela (January) and Basanta Utsav (March) that attract many tourists to the region every year.
Goa, parties, honeymoons and more
From sun-kissed beaches to vibrant flea markets to stunning Portuguese architecture, there are so many places to visit in Goa that you'll find it difficult to fit them all in one trip. Add its water sports, happening seaside clubs, and a truly eclectic dining scene to that list and you know you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. Here is your quick guide to the very best of Goa, including the best of beaches, night clubs, bars, markets and festivals. Enjoy.
Diu, the one with solitary beaches
Diu, one of the remotest points in western India, offer scenic delights that have wooed everyone from the Mughals and the British to the Portuguese. Hence most of the places that you will find yourself headed to are footprints left behind by the erstwhile rulers; a rather colourful motley. Don’t be misled by the size; despite its tinyness, this Union Territory has plenty to charm you. Hop on a bicycle and check out the massive Diu Fort and Panikotha, the ancient Gangeshwar Temple, the very Portuguese St Paul’s Church and some of the most solitary beaches that India has. Discover what makes Diu, the Isle of Calm.
Mount Abu, the hill town in desert
Watered by the serene Nakki Lake and perched at an altitude of 4000 feet, Rajasthan’s only hill station is quite unlike the rest of the state. Offering a perfect respite from the scorching heat of the desert, picturesque Mount Abu is thronged by travellers throughout the year. Here are the places to visit in Mount Abu that you must include in your Mount Abu itinerary.
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